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Silver Spring Networks, which powers what we in Silicon Valley call "Smart Grids" (i.e., power plants, utilities), had its IPO this morning, and it was big. Oversubscribed by eager investors, at last check the stock price (SSNI) had already jumped by more than 25 percent. (Published Wednesday, Mar 13, 2013)

Updated at 5:49 PM PDT on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2013

Just when you thought it was safe to slam the green tech industry yet again, another sign that things are still popping.

Silver Spring Networks, which powers what we in Silicon Valley call "Smart Grids" (i.e., power plants, utilities), had its IPO this morning, and it was big. Oversubscribed by eager investors, at last check the stock price (SSNI) had already jumped by more than 25 percent.

Silver Spring is the latest indication that green power is still humming along. Tesla stock (TSLA) hit all-time highs this week, and Solar City (SCTY) has now seen its share price double since it went public recently.

All is not super smooth in green tech land, to be sure. Just today, electric car maker Fisker announced that its chairman has stepped down, as that company struggles to put cars on the road and make money.

It's not going to be an easy ride for green tech: too much competition, and the challenge to make money will always be there. But investors want in, at least for now, and that's always a good sign.